Bowling: A star is born

From left: Syafiq Ridhwan, Muhd Nur Aiman, Sin Li Jane and Nur Syakirah Yeoh pose with their medals after their brilliant outing in Belfast, Ireland.

THE Malaysian juniors ended their Commonwealth Tenpin Bowling Championships in Belfast with four gold, three silver and three bronze medals, one of the country's best ever hauls in the event.

But rather than bask in glory, the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) acknowledged that the challenge just got tougher, especially for double gold medallist Sin Li Jane, whose progress and achievement complement a women's squad already brimming with talent.

The MTBC made it clear yesterday that Li Jane will be considered for next year's Women's World Championships in Las Vegas if she maintains her form.

National chief coach Holloway Cheah said Li Jane will be given special attention from now on and will be sent to major tournaments to see how she does against tougher competition.

"We will give her a chance to compete in major tournaments next year. I will also be pushing her to the limit in training," said Holloway yesterday.
Li Jane, 16, created a stir in Belfast when she won the women's singles and Masters. Her performance was totally unexpected as she is known to be stronger in team events.

However, it will not be easy for Li Jane to earn one of the six spots on the women's team to the world meet as she will be competing against the likes of professionals Shalin Zulkifli, Wendy Chai, Esther Cheah, Zandra Aziela, Choy Poh Lai, Zatil Iman Abdul Ghani and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman.

But Holloway is determined to ensure that Li Jane will not be a one-championship wonder.

"Li Jane is the latest sensation in Malaysian bowling and I will make sure that her talent will not go to waste," said Holloway.

"She is almost in the same league as Shalin and Esther. She is strong mentally but needs to work on her technical game."

Holloway attributed the team's success in Belfast to their commitment in training.

"They started training about a month and a half prior to the event. I noticed the quartet were determined and had the attitude of always wanting to learn. I see a great future in them," Holloway disclosed.

"Many thought our juniors will return empty-handed from Belfast but they have proven otherwise. It's good for Malaysian bowling as now we have a bigger pool of world class bowlers in the national squad," said Holloway.

The Star